Formartine’s nine Olympic torchbearers

Published:14:47Friday 30 March 2012

NO FEWER than nine Formartine residents will be among those carrying the Olympic torch this summer, the Ellon Times can reveal.

Blair McClymont, Colin Wooley, Evelyn Capper, Richard Taylor and Murray Carnie of Ellon will join Fiona Fraser of Pitmedden, Kate Barnett of Balmedie, and Amanda Yule and Claire Wilkinson of Oldmeldrum as official torchbearers when the flame comes to the north-east of Scotland.

The Olympic torch will travel around Britain on a 70 day journey designed to take it within 10 miles of 95% of the country’s population. In the north-east, the torch will pass from the west through Crathie, Banchory, Perculter and Aberdeen, before heading south to Dundee via Stonehaven and Montrose - however, it will not be passing through Ellon or Oldmeldrum.

Speaking to the Times, Colin Wooley said that he had been nominated by father, Nigel, and that he was looking forward to participating in the event.

“It’s going to be a fantastic event,” he said. “I’ll be carrying the torch in Aberdeen somewhere, though I don’t know where exactly yet. It’s a huge privilege to take part in something as important as the Olympics.”

The Ellon Academy student, who plans to study Fitness, Health and Exercise at college, added that he would be following the Olympics closely, and that he had a keen interest in sport.

“I would normally be watching the Olympics anyway, but to be invited to carry the torch is a welcome surprise. My parents are really delighted and amazed I was chosen.”

Fellow Academy student Blair McClymont will also be carrying the torch in Aberdeen, and told the Times that he too had been surprised to win a place as a torchbearer.

“My aunt Margaret Hay in Glasgow nominated me because of my interest in sport,” he said. “I’ll be carrying it in Aberdeen as far as I’m aware.”

Blair, who takes part in football, hockey and cycling hit local headlines last year when he and father Bob mcClymont cycled to France in aid of Diabetes UK.

Blair, who lives with diabetes himself and plans to become a doctor, said that he was enthusiastic about the propsects of carrying the torch.